Community Forums

novi2some · 01-04-2016, 09:23 AM

On my 2010 Bounder motor home, the original batteries need to be replaced. One of the two batteries will not hold a charge. Both are Crown CR-225 batteries. Should I replace both at this time? The other battery seems to hold a charge. Also, I did find a Duracell battery for a good price. What are your thoughts on a Duracell battery? Should I consider a Trojan T-105?

LVJ58 · 01-04-2016, 09:31 AM

With 6v batteries, yes you should replace both at the same time. I would recommend either the Trojan T105's or Interstate GC2's, both great batteries. Also you should check water level at least once a month and use only distilled water when needed.

Good luck with your battery choice and safe travels...

vettenuts · 01-04-2016, 10:00 AM

I currently have the Interstates which are nearing their end of life. I plan to either replace with Interstate or take a hard look at the Trojan's when I do. You might also want to consider the water saver caps, they help a lot with fluid loss.

**CLIFFTALL** · 01-04-2016, 10:02 AM

I had great service with my T105's .

Smitty77 · 01-04-2016, 10:10 AM

Agree replace in a pair. If you need more capacity, and have enough headroom, also check the T125 or T145. More capacity, same footprint, if they'll fit and if you want the extra capacity.

And the Crown batteries are getting very positive feedback from many RV'ers and home energy users. Good quality construction, and tight quality controls.

If you are good at keeping the batteries maintained for fluid levels, cleaning posts - then wet is an economical and practical way to go. If you want to install and forget, and your inverter/charger has an AGM setting, you could look into installing a set of AGM's.

Lots of great choices to make, and lots of fellow RV'ers will be willing to help you spend your money the way they think you should

!

Best,
Smitty

deandec · 01-04-2016, 10:16 AM

We have had T-105 and Costco GCII batteries.

Costco is cheaper. The T-105 might last longer.

The length of life depends on your care and use of the battery during its life.

vsheetz · 01-04-2016, 10:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Clifftall

I had great service with my T105's .

Ditto

bluepill · 01-04-2016, 10:34 AM

Trojan or Crown are the Standard for high quality.

Bigd9 · 01-04-2016, 10:40 AM

Take pictures....plenty of pictures of each battery and of the group showing as much of the wiring as you can. Even if you get someone else to install them, take pictures and share them with the installer. You wouldn't believe how many owners find out they have a wire missing, or incorrectly installed when something doesn't work.

novi2some · 01-04-2016, 01:20 PM

I have been using the "water saving caps" as you suggested. It is easy to fill all sections at one time. I will replace both batteries. I did know that but I thought I'd ask. I will look at Interstate, Trojan and Crown to see who has the best for the money. Yes, I did take pictures before I removed the batteries.

Mr_D · 01-04-2016, 01:44 PM

In our '02 DSDP we had the Interstate U-2200's, they lasted 10 years and were still good enough to go overnight running the TV's , heat etc.
In 2004 I put 4 oz of mineral oil in each cell. That cut way down on the need to check and add water. In fact, after 10 years the battery tray was in great shape and had never been needed to be repainted. It still had the same cloth hold down straps too.

Sweetbriar · 01-04-2016, 01:49 PM

Always replace pairs if possible. As batteries age they tend to lose a bit of capacity bit by bit. Throw a new one in the loop and the old battery will drag the new one down.

I'm going into my third year with two Duracell GC2 batteries. Don't boon dock much but the few times not a problem going a full day or so before needing to start the generator. Water level has remained pretty constant also. Pretty sure East Penn makes them.

FormerBoater · 01-04-2016, 03:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sweetbriar

Always replace pairs if possible. As batteries age they tend to lose a bit of capacity bit by bit. Throw a new one in the loop and the old battery will drag the new one down.

I'm going into my third year with two Duracell GC2 batteries. Don't boon dock much but the few times not a problem going a full day or so before needing to start the generator. Water level has remained pretty constant also. Pretty sure East Penn makes them.

X2....three years and counting and they are manufactured by East Penn.

ladagobago · 01-04-2016, 04:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FormerBoater

X2....three years and counting and they are manufactured by East Penn.

Well be a boater you then know that East penn makes most of the 6v batteries out there and are re-labeled by other companies. I use the NAPA batteries and find them more than adequate. Especially for the money